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OF THE 



CHRIST LIFE 



A F? FRAN (SETS IN 



Ct Series of Kecttattons 



ROI=? UI^E IN 



SABBATH SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENTS. 

"'JAM 5 



MRS. L. D. AVERY STUTTLE, 

Author of "Satan's first Lie" and oth)er Poems. 



1893. 
Beacon Publishing Co., Publishers, 

LANSING, MICH. 






FOR THE THOUGHT 

WHICH PRIMARILY SUGGESTED 

THIS SERIES OF POEMS, 

AND ALSO FOR THE SUGGESTION OF 

SUBJECTS AND THE GENERAL TENOR OF 

THE AVORK, I AM INDEBTED 

TO MY FRIEND, 

(5, K. ITialom, 

AND TO HIM THIS BOOKLET 
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. 

L. D. A. S. 



EXPLANATORY. 

IN order to fully carry out the ^Yishes of the 
I author Avith reference to these poems being 
used as a basis of Sunday School entertain- f 
ments (see author's preface), the publishers 
have arranged ''Model Programs" for two 
magnificent Sunday School entertainments. 

In arranging these programs great care 
has been exercised in selecting music which 
will harmonize with the recitations, so as to 
climax the thought of the author with the 
inspiring music which follows. 

That every entertainment may be a flat- 
tering success in the way of attendance as 
well as in the excellence of the recitations, 
the publishers will also upon application 
furnish ample advertising matter for each 
entertainment. Many of these entertain, 
ments are already being held, and always 
with the utmost satisfaction to the schools 
and the public. As a rule, the churches are 
crowded from altar to vestibule, and in many 
instances hundreds have been unable to 
gain admission. The entertainment, as a 
whole, is a beautiful portrayal of the Christ 
life, in song and verse, and will certainly 
be of very great value to the school in calling 
the favorable attention of the public to Sun- 
day School work. 

Beacon Publishing Co 



PEE FACE. 

IN writing this little book, it has been the 
sincere wish and earnest effort of the au- 
thor to so present the leading events in the 
life of onr Divine Master as to show his won- 
derful love for humanity, as the main-spring 
of all the acts of his earth life. It is also her 
desire and hope that these poems may be used 
as the basis of a large number of Sunday 
School entertainments, and that in this way 
she may become a humble assistant to children 
and youth in pressing the sacred truths of 
the Great Teacher upon the minds and hearts 
of large numbers who may attend these en- 
tertainments, and receive lasting impressions 
for good from these young speakers. 

If by reading or hearing a description of 
the miracles and the earth life and death of 
our beloved Lord, in verse form, will be the 
humble means in the hands of Grod, of lead- 
ing any to love him more and to seek to 
become his disciple, the earnest prayer of the 
author will have been realized. 

L. D. A. S. 



BIRTH, 

O'ER Bethlehem's hills the stars of night 
Were softly shining, clear and bright ; 
The flocks and herds were sleeping still, 
On verdant dale and dewy hill, 
And o'er earth's calm and peaceful breast 
A benediction seemed to rest, 

As though the whole creation knew, 
And smiled a welcome warm and true 
To Him, her long-expected Lord, 
Foretold by Inspiration's Word, — 
Foretold and sung by seer and sage, 
Bright Star of Hope, from age to age. 

Hark, hark! what strains of music rare, 
Like faintest perfume fill the air ! 
And louder still, and still more loud. 
Bursts from that swift descending cloud : 
Such glorious notes ring o'er and o'er 
As weary earth ne'er heard before ; 
Aloud the heavenly heralds sing. 
While through the spheres the echoes ring. 



6 "PEEPARATORY PERIOD. 

''Glory to God in the highest ! 

Peace and good will to men ! " 
And the heavens caught the glad refrain, 

And echoed it o'er again. 
Then up from the hills of glory 

There echoed the thrilling cry, 
** Rejoice, O Earth, for the Christ is born ! 

Glory to God on high ! " 



SLAYING OF THE INNOCENTS. 

THUS one by one the days go by 
Since, in the brightening orient sky, 
The wise men saw the shining star 
Gleam over Bethlehem's hills afar, 
And since the shepherd's hearts were stirred 
By sweetest song ear ever heard. 

But ah ! those echoes scarce had died 
O'er Judah's hills and vales so wide, — 
Those hills and vales which lately flung 
The echoes back from angel tongue, — 
Ere, from those selfsame hills, arise 
Loud wails of anguish to the skies. 

O Herod ! heed'st thou not the cry 
Of Rachel's anguish, rising high, — 
That long, loud wail of mortal pain 
From tender babes thy sword hath slain? 



PREPAEATOKY PERIOD. 



Why dost thou raise thy puny arm 
To do the Lord's Anointed harm ? 
Dost thou not know th' Eternal One 
Will shield his well beloved Son ? 

To far-off Egypt's friendly land 
He journeys, led by angel hand ; 
There, safe from cruel rage, is borne, 
While Rama's daughters weep and mourn. 
O crafty Herod, vain thy might 
When waged against Eternal Right. 
Vain, vain shall be thy godless boasts, 
Thy conflict with the Lord of Hosts. 



IN THE TEMPLE. 



O'ER Judah's plains sweet Spring had 
thrown 
Her flowery robe of living green. 
And Nature in her gala robes 
Was mantled like a fairy queen. 

High o'er the temple's burnished towers 
The sunshine fell like molten gold, 

And flamed and flashed from glittering spire, 
From pinnacle and turret old. 

While through the city's busy street 

Echoed the tread of countless feet. 



PREPAEATOEY PEEIOD. 




Far over Judah's hills they come, 
From shepherd lad to stately priest, 

To ancient Salem's gates they haste 
To keep the sacred Paschal Feast. 

Look, who is he, that youthful Lad, - 
Standing within the temple fair ? 

Why do not Israel's sages know 
That he — the Paschal Lamb — is there? 

Strange blindness, that they knew him not, - 
Those gray haired men, those learned 
seers : 

Useless the Rabbi's studied lore, 
The vain philosophy of years. 

From out those sacred, youthful lips 
Flow wondrous words of heavenly lore, — 

Such words of purity and grace 
As man had never heard before. 

And now, a kind, obedient Son, 
No thought had he of earthly fame, 

But 'mong the hills of Nazareth 
A humble carpenter became. 

He took our fallen nature ; he 
Who made the hosts which roll above 

Of Abraham's frail seed partook, 
In godlike sympathy and love. 



PREPAEATORY lERIOD. 



THE BAPTISM AND TEMPTATION, 

AT last th' appointed hour has come ; 
Christ bows 'neath Jordan's swelling wave; 
The mighty Baptist leads him forth 
Triumphant from that watery grave. 

And from the heaven, serene and blue, 
While wondering souls with awe are stirred, 

A dove-like form appears in view, 
Th' Eternal Father's voice is heard : 

' ' Lo, this is my beloved Son — 

The Prince of Peace, th' Anointed One ! " 

O holy hour ! O sacred spot ! 

And yet, and yet, they knew him not. 

And now the Spirit leads him far 

From busy haunts of life away, 
Where gloomy shades of darkness are, 

'Mong fierce and angry beasts of prey ; 
The Holy Spirit bids him go 
To wrestle with the wily foe. 

There, in that wilderness alone, 
With fainting form and pallid face, 

Grievous temptations fierce and strong 
He suffers, for our fallen race. 

But with the Spirit's mighty sword 
The prince of hell is put to flight ; 



M 



10 PREPARATORY PERIOD. 



The strength of the Eternal Word 
Has conquered in Jehovah's might. 

O tempted heart ! when sorely tried 
Amid life's desert, drear and broad, 

When hope and strength and courage fail, 
Look up, and put thy trust in Grod. 

He will not fail thee ; he who bore 
Temptations fierce and long for thee, 

Who in the wilderness prevailed. 
Will give thee strength and victory. 



THE MARRIAGE FEAST IN CAN A. 
(first year.) 

THEEE was a marriage feast in G-alilee ; 
The festal board was spread with viands 
rare ; 
The joyous guests had met in commune sweet, 
And he, the Man of Nazareth, was there. 

Yes, he was there, that marriage, Eden-born, 
Might share the sanction of his presence 
sweet, • 

That round this holy ritual he might throw 
A sacred halo, glorious and complete. 

"The wine has failed ; " the murmuring word 
is passed. 

And soon from lip to lip is borne to him ; 
Then sweeter far than music sounds his voice, 

' ' Fill ye these water vessels to the brim. " 



12 FIRST YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

'TiB done: and wine, rare, pnrple. lich, and 
sweet, 
Th' astonished servants, smiling, bear away; 
The while, methinks, the wondering guests 
repeat, 
"Ah, we have seen strange things — 
strange things to-day." 

New, unferinented wine, the Master made. 
Not the mad wine that fills the drunkard's 
cup, 
But such as he, the bridegroom, gives his 
guests 
Who at the marriage of the Lamb shall sup, 
And drink it new within that kingdom fair — 
His Father's glorious kingdom over there. 

E'en thus it is along life's rugged path ; 

Of ttimes it seems the wine of life is spent. 
And we have nought to offer those we love 

But empty vessels, tears, and discontent. 

O let us fill these empty vgssels full 
With flowing sap, fresh from the living 
Vine ; 

And we shall find, before the feast is done, 
That He has turned life's water into wine 



FIRST YEAR OF THE MINISTRr. 13 



CLEANSING THE TEMPLE. 

AGAIN the Paschal feast had come, 
And strangers throng the busy street ; 
While in the temple's sacred courts 

The buyer and the seller meet. 
Shrill, babbling voices, wild and rude — 
The shouting of the multitude ; 
The lowing cattle from the fold, 
The coo of doves, the clink of gold ; 
The money-changer's greedy cry, — 
Loud, eager voices, fierce and high, — 
Discordant sounds from far and near 
Are borne upon the startled ear. 

" Take these things hence ! " above the din 
There sounds a voice of stern command ; 

The while, the awestruck throng behold 
A godlike Presence, firm and grand. 
With scourge of cords within his hand. 

Then, like a mighty torrent rushed 

The surging mass, from pen and fold ; 
The drivers with their cattle fled, 

The money-changers, with their gold ; 
The screaming throng, the bellowing herds, 
The bleating sheep, the frightened birds, — 
All, all, in one vast, rushing tide, 
From that stern Presence flee to hide. 
In wild dismay they flee in fear. 
As though th' Avenger's sword were near 



14 FIRST YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 



THE WOMAN AT THE WELL. 

THE aua rosa high o'er Garizim 
And EbaFs mountains dark and grim, 
As through Samaria s busy street 
Echoed a woman's hurrying feet ; 
The word is borne with bated breath, — 
''Come see the Man of Nazareth, 
By Jacob's well he sitteth now, 
A holy radiance on his brow." 

"He telleth of a fountain free, 
Flowing for helpless souls like me ; 
Of Christ, the Anointed Son of God ; 
Of streams of mercy, free and broad ; 
Of lov^e and pity, hope and grace. 
For the lost sons of Adam's race." 

"Is not this he — ^the blessed Christ 
Declared by holy men of old, — 

The coming One, th' anointed King 
Whom Moses and the seers fortold ? 

Aye," quoth the woman, " Who may tell? 

Come, haste, he sitteth by the well." 

They follow her — a multitude — 
With eager haste and flying feet ; 

And there, by Jacob's flowing well. 
They listen to the message sweet : 

"I am the living Fountain free ; 

O thirsty soul, come unto me." 



FIEST YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 15 



''Now we believe," they joyful cried ; 

"Yet not because of this thy word ; 
For we with our own eyes have seen, . 

With our own willing ears have heard ! 
And we will spread the news abroad 
That Jesus is the Christ of God." 



HEALING THE NOBLEMAN S SON 

O'er old Capernaum the sun had set, 
And evening shadows gathered, dark 
and gray, 
As silent watchers bent, with lashes wet, 
Above the cot where a frail sufferer lay. 

The stars shone out like genxs of purest light, 
And stormy Galilee was calm and mild ; 

The calm blue waters kiss the wave-girt shore, 
And chant a requiem to the dying child. 

"Father, come closer, closer to my bed. 
And let me lay in thine my fevered hand, 

Before the vale of death my feet shall tread, 
Before I journey to that shadowy land." 



m 



16 yiRST YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

' ' My child, strange rumors met my ear to-day ; 

For I have heard of Christ, the mighty One : 
He tarrieth now by Cana's gates they say ; 

I go to seek him, that he heal my son." 

He went ; his piteous plea the Master heard, 
As even now he hears faith's earnest cry ; 

In tones of agony the father pleads, 

''O sir, come down before my son shall die ! " 

Then, sweet as music, sounds the Master's 
voice, — 

Sweeter than birdsong in a desert drear : 
** Thy prayer is heard ; O father, go thy way ; 

Thy little son shall live ; be of good cheer." 

When from those sacred lips there falls the 
word, 
The pulse of health springs through that 
fevered frame ; 
Soon old Capernaum the news has heard. 
And wondering souls believe on Jesus' name. 



'^ 



FIRST YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 17 



REPULSE AT NAZARETH. 

He came unto his own, O shameful storj^! 
His own received him not— the Prince of Glory. 

THEY hated liim ; and yet he came 
On love's sweet errand, down below, — 
To lift the sons of Adam up, 
To tell of life and joy and hope, 
To drain for man the bitterest cup, 
And save- him from eternal woe. 

That he, the spotless Son of God, 

The Heir of Heaven's eternal throne, 
Should count as loss all earthly fame, 
For man should suffer woe and shame, 
A blasted and dishonored name, 
And yet be hated by his own ! 

E'en Nazareth rejects his love ! 

The home where he had long time dwelt, 
And now he treads her streets once oaore, 
Where he had led, in days of yore. 
His spotless life, and o'er and o'er 

In humble prayer had knelt. 

But they despise — reject him ! they 
To whom he brings the message sweet ; 

They buffet him in angry strife, 

And seek to take his sinless life ; 

Seditious, cruel threats are rife, 
As scribes and rulers meet. 



18 FIKST YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

Yet, filled with mercy, o'er and o'er 

Those sacred hills and vales he trod. 
Where spires from myriad cities gleamed 
As Judah's siin upon them beamed. 
And like one mighty city seemed 
From Lebanon's green sod. 

To these, the pitying Master came. 
To bear his message from above ; 

O Gralilee ! thou sacred place ; 

O Israel ! ye favored race ; 

Why did'st thou turn away thy face, 
And spurn a Saviour's love ? 



SERMON ON THE MOUNT, 

Oholy, sacred mount ! where sat. 
In human form, the Prince of Heaven ; 
When, neath Judea's purple skies. 
The sweet beatitudes w^ere given: 
Those gracious words, which echo still 
Adown the corridors of time. 
Till earth's remotest lands have heard 
Their glorious symphony sublime. 

"Blest are the poor in spirit," — they 
Whose hearts are filled with godly fear ; 

"And blessed they who mourn," for, lo. 
The heavenly Comforter is near. 



FIRST YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 19 

Thrice blessed are the meek ; for they 

The promised earth made new shall tread : 
" Blest they who thirst for righteousness, 

And hunger ; for they shall be fed." 
' ' Blest are the merciful, " and those 

Who gentle mercy's paths have trod ; 
And sweet the benediction sure, — 

"The pure in heart shall see their Grod." 

O blessed Peace ! How sweet thy sound 

'Mid noisy earth's discord and dinj 
Her restless sons of war and strife 

None but the peacema^ker shall win. 
And O, thrice blessed shall ye be 

If for the truth of God ye stand 
When Persecution dark and dire 

Shall reach you with her bloody hand. 
Rejoice and be exceeding glad ; 

The prophets suffered e'en like this. 
And counted not their lives as dear 

Exchange for heaven's eternal bliss. 
When wicked men shall falsely bring 
' Dark accusations 'gainst your name, 
And slander bold her banners fling, 

Truth's holy legions to defame ; 
If thou, like Daniel, boldly face 

The king's command, the lion's paw, 
If thou shalt conquer in the race 

And loyal prove to God's just law, 
The King of Heaven shall be thy Lord, 
Eternal bliss, thy sure reward 1 



20 FIRST YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 



THE BRA UGHT OF. FISHES. 

THE rising sun was scarcely seen 
Above Judea's hills so green, 
And springtime flowers, bright and rare, 
Dotted the landscape everywhere. 

The gentle zephyrs, soft and free, 

Kuffled the vv^aves of Galilee ; 

And where the morning sunbeams glanced, 

Ten thousand diamonds gleamed and danced. 

Already, o'er the cliffs along, 
Wendeth an eager, anxious throng ; 
The haughty priest, the man of care, 
The lame, the halt, the blind, are there ; 
For they have heard the joyous cry, — 
*'The MIGHTY Healer passeth by." 

In Simon's boat the Master sat, 
And taught the people on the shore ; 

While scribes and elders stand amazed 
To hear such words of heavenly lore. 

O Blessed Christ ! How vast thy love. 

Unmeasured as the heights above I 

*' Simon, launch out into the deep ; " 
"Let down the nets into the sea ; " 

"Yea, Master, at thy word we will. 
Though vainly we have toiled, " said he. 



FIRST YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 21 



The net is cast into the deep, 

And quick within its meshes leap 

The myriad fishes, small and great, 

Until the sudden, mighty weight 

Has filled the ships, — a cumbrous store, — 

Till scarce the fishers reach the shore. 

Then Simon bows upon the sod. 

And worships him : " O Lord my God, 

Depart from me 1 for self and sin 

Still gain the mastery within ! " 

And then, methinks, these words I hear : 

' ' O Simon — wherefore dost thou fear ? " 

"Let peace reign in thy heart again ; 

From henceforth thou shall fish for men, " 

Ye wayworn sons of Adam's race, 

O listen as these words of grace 

Come rolling through the ages dim : 

" They left their nests, and followed Him.'' 

"Come leave youi- nets, ye sons of men ; " 
These living words of sacred fire 

Fall on our weary hearts again 

Like music from a heavenly lyre, — 

Like chanting of the Seraphim : 

"Come, leave your nets, and follow him." 



c^- 



HEALING THE IMPOTENT MAN 
AT THE POOL. 

WITH many a cry for pity, 
And many a weary moan, 
Apart from the surging multitude, 
Sat the impotent man, alone. 

Alone, by the Pool of Bethesda,. 

Nor brother nor friend was near. 
To plunge him into the healing fount, 

Or to whisper words of cheer. 

His spirit was sad and weary. 

And his hope was almost dead, 
And the smiling blue of Juda's sky 

Seemed brass above his head. 

He lay where the sun at noontime. 

Was shining fierce and bright. 
With never a shield from the heat by day 

Or the chilling dews of night. 

And there he was waiting — waiting — 

With never a friendly word ; 
Till his heart seemed dead like a broken reed 

With a hope so long deferred. 

One day, as he sat by the porches 
Where the sick and the dying lay, 

A gentle Form stood by his side 
And he heard a sweet voice say : — 



SECOND YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 23 

*' Would'st thou be healed, O sufferer ? 

Arise, take up thy bed." 
And he felt the thrill of a healing touch, — 

Of a soft hand on his head. 

' Twas the word of the gentle Master 

That spoke to his weary soul, 
His word that healed the impotent man. 

His touch that had made him whole. 

O blessed, pitying Saviour ! 

How vast is thy wondrous love ! 
' Tis deep as the depths of darkness, 

' Tis high as the heights above. 



HEALING THE WITHERED HAND. 

THE Sabbath — blessed guest — had come 
To visit old Capernaum ; 
Freighted with benedictions sweet, 
With heavenly calm, and joys replete ; 
As when in Eden's new-born bowers 
To Adam came its sacred hours ; — 
A loving Father's gift to man 
When first the flight of time began. 

Within that white-walled synagogue 
There gathered at the hour of prayer 

A motley multitude ; and He — 
The mighty Nazarene — was there. 



24 SECOND YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

They watched him, he, the sinless One, — 
Th' Eternal Father's spotless Son ; 
And would he heal th' afflicted soul, 
And make that palsied sufferer whole, 
On this, — the Sabbath ? hark ! methinks 
I hear a voice of firm command, 
Which heeds nor Scribe nor Pharisee : 
' ' O man, stretch forth thy withered hand ! " 

'Tis done ; faith grasps the promise sure ; 

The helpless, withered hand is healed ; 
And once again, to human hearts 

The love of Jesus is revealed. 

"Stretch forth thiy hand," O fainting soul ; 

The blessed Master speaks to thee ; 
He makes thy bruised spirit whole. 

And sweetly whispers, "Come to me." 

" Stretch forth thy hand," the Lord will heal, 
Will calm thy tumult and thy strife, 

Will bid thee quaff the Living Stream, 
And feed thee with the Bread of Life 



seco:n^d year of the ministry. 25 

RAISING THE WIDOWS SON. 

THERE was sorrow and grief, there was 
anguish and pain, 
In the humble abode of the widow of Nain, 
And the hopes that once bright in her firma- 
ment burned, 
Like the "apples of Sodom" to ashes were 
turned. 

Her heart was bowed down by its burden of 

care. 
And her bright sun had sunk in the clouds 

of despair ; 
Her light had gone out in the darkness of 

night, 
And her dreams of the morrow no longer 

were bright ; 

For the Angel of Death, with his pinions so 

gray. 
Had taken the loved of her bosom away. 
And the sorrowful women with wai lings of 

woe. 
Were voicing the grief which they never could 

know. 

As out through the narrow gates of Nain 

The solemn retinue gravely led, 
The sunlight glimmered o'er hill and plain 

And kissed the bier of the youthful dead 



26 SECOND YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

Look, over Esdraelon, there cometh a band 
That wendeth its way over valley and plain, 

And now 'mong the mourners it silently stands 
As the dead is borne on through the gate- 
way of Nain. 

Ah, see, 'tis the Master, the merciful One, 
Whose word has so oft brought the 

mourner relief ; 
Will he pity that mother who weeps for 

her son. 
And cheer her lone heart with its burden 

of grief? 

Hark ! richer than music that seraphims hear 

Is that voice, soft and sweet, that ascends 

to the skies. 

As the Healer of Nazareth toucheth the bier. 

And biddeth the white-vestured sleeper, 

"arise!" 

And the dull ear of death hears the life- 
giving word. 
And the strong chain of silence that fet- 
tered him breaks 
As the black shades of death and of darkness 
are stirred 
By the voice of the Lord ; and the sleeper 
awakes. 



0'' 

SECOND YEAR OF THE MINISTEY. 27 

O JesuB, my Master ; how vast is thy love ! 
I will sing of its depths while thou givest 
me breath, 
'Tis high as the measureless heavens above, 
It is sweeter than life, and 'tis stronger than 
death. 



STILLING THE TEMPEST 

JUDEA'S sun was sinking down 
Behind Mount Tabor's hoary crown 
The while, athwart the glimmering Avest, 
The sunset shook her flaming crest. 
And hill and dale and wood and lake 
A magic beauty seemed to take. 

And now fai o'er the purple sea 
Of changeful, restless Galilee, 
I see, afar, a white-winged boat 
Upon the billowy tide afloat ; 
And sleeping on a pillow there, 
I see a Form divinely fair. 

Thus peacefully the moments fly ; 

When, sudden o'er the purple sky. 

Black clouds came up, and tongues of flame 

From out the gathering darkness came. 

And leaped, and blazed, and gleamed, and 

flashed, 
The while the billows madly dashed. 
And rolling thunder boomed and crashed. 



28 SECOXD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 



From cloud-girt Hermon's sno^y height, 
I The storm came down in sudden might : 
And fiercer still the Avild winds blew, 
And black as night the storm cloud grew ; 
And louder still, and still more loud. 
The thunder pealed from cloud to cloud. 

And still, 'mid tempest-riven sky, 
That white- winged vessel rideth high ; 
I see her struggling with the storm, 
When lightning's flash reveals her form. 
Hark ! hear that cry above the roar 
< Of bowling wind and beating wave, 

A hoarse voice calling o'er and o'er, 
' ' Master, we perish ! wake and save ! " 



" What ! hearst thou not the tempest's rage 

How canst thou calmly lie asleep 
When mighty waves like mountains rise 

To whelm us 'neath the surging deep ? " 
O Peter, Peter I knowest thou not 

' Tis He who formed the mighty sea, 
Who holds the waters in his hand, 

That sleepetl] now on Galilee? 

The Sleeper wakes ! he calmly speaks ; 
The wind and waves his words fulfill ; 
''Ye raging billows, cease your strife ! 
O howling tempest, Peace — be still." 
' Tis done I the raging, wild winds ceased. 
And evening breathed her breath of balm ; 



SECOND YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 29 

The rolling thunder died away, 

And peace returned — there was a calm ; 

And quiet nature sunk to rest 

Like birdling in her leafy nest, 

Or child upon its mother's breast. 

O restless heart whose hope seems dead 

When shadows rest o'er vale and hill, 
When lightnings flash abvove thy head, 

List, while He whispers, '^ Peace — he still ! " 



J AIR US' DA UGHTER— " TALITHA 
CUMir 

8 HE lay on her snowy pillow. 
So silent and pale and cold, 
And the summer sunshine flickered down. 

And fell on her curls of gold ; 
Till it seemed that a glorious halo 

Had circled the dainty head. 
And the heart of love could scarce believe 
That the little maid was dead. 

Jairus stands by the Master, 

Trembling and sad and mute ; 
For he hears the sound of the mourners' wail 

And the dirge of the solemn flute ; 
And the father knows that his darling 

Has crossed to the other shore. 
Where the ' 'dull, cold ear of death" gives heed 

To the voice of love no more. 



30 SECOND YEAR OF THE MINISTRY 

" O why is this sound and tumult," 

The pitying Master said, 
' Why weep ye thus for the maid who sleeps, 
As ye weep for the silent dead ? " 

Then he spake to his three disciples, — 

To Peter and James and John, — 
And the parents, sad, of the little maid, 

And they silently followed on. 
Till they stood by the quiet bedside 

Where the waxen figure lay, 
And they, heard in the hush of the silent room, 

The great Physician say, 
" Talitha Cumi, — Maiden, 

I say unto thee, arise ! " 
And the flickering breath of the child returns, 

And she opens her dreamy eyes. 

There's a hush, like the calm that cometh 

In the solemn hour of night, 
And a flush like the glow of morning fair, 

O'erspreadeth her brow so white.. 
There's a sigh like the gentle zephyr. 

At summer evening's close ; 
The thrill of a hand-clasp, strong and sweet, 

And the little maid arose ! 

the love of the great Physician ! 
The love that is strong to save ! 

1 will trust in the Arm that is mightier far 
Than the chains of the dusty grave. 



SECOND YEAK OF THE MINISTRY. 31 



THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT. 

WEARY and sick and fainting, 
Feeble and pale and wan, 
Far over the hills of Gadara 
She wearily tottered on. 

She had heard of the great Physician 

On the shores of Galilee ; 
How he healed the sick and suflfering. 

And made the blind to see. 

And she said, ' ' I will seek the Master ; 

Perchance he will hear my cry ; 
I will seek this Jesus of Nazereth, 

I have heard that he passeth by.*" 

Then slow, where the blue waves murmur 

Their sad and ceaseless song, 
Along the cliffs of the Galilee 

There wended a mighty throng. 

But ah, she is sick and fainting. 
And her step is slow and weak ; 

And the bright tears spring to her eager eyes 
And drop on her pallid cheek. 

She yearns for a look from the Master, 
For a touch of his healing hand ; 

But the multitude surge about him, 
And throng o'er the wave-girt strand. 



32 SECOND YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 



"I will toncli the hem of his garment," 

She murmurs in accents sweet ; 
And she slowly creeps through the eager 
throng, 

And falls at the Master's feet. 

And the Healer turns about him, 

And cries, ' ' O trembling soul ! 
Thou art loosed from thine infirmity 

Thy FAITH hath made thee whole. " 



COMMISSION TO THE TWELVE. 

TO be with Jesus — blessed thought ! 
At early morn, at noon, at night, 
To have his presence by my side, 

To lead my wayward steps aright, — 
To hear his gentle voice, ah, this 
It seems, had been exceeding bliss. 

Ye chosen men, who by his side 

For three sweet years together walked, 

Together roamed o'er Juda's hills — 
In loves communion fondly talked. 

Ye knew Him ! ah, how blest your lot. 

When scribes and elders knew him not. 



SECOND YEAE OF THE MINISTRY. 



33 



O chosen twelve : unknown and poor ; 

What mighty messengers are ye ! 
Your creed, Christ's blessed gospel sure — 

The gospel of sweet Liberty. 
'Love as I've loved," the Master saith, — 
"As high as heaven, as strong as death," 

' ' Go preach my gospel ; heal the sick ; 

Go cheer the broken-hearted soul ; 
Go set sin's weary captive free, 

And make each bruised spirit whole. 
And unto you it shall be given 
To sit upon twelve thrones in heaven." 



FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND. 

THE soft, spring day was nearly spent ; 
The hazy sun was sinking low, 
As on that lonely desert place 
The multitude surged to and fro. 

All day the mighty Nazarene 

Had calmed their sad hearts restless strife, 
Had stilled their fears, and healed their sick, 

And fed them with the Bread of Life ; 
And now the sun was almost set, 
And still the peo|)le lingered yet. 

' ' Come, send the multitude away, " 
O Master ; the disciples said. 



34 SECOND YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

' ' To-morrow is the Sabbath day, 
And lo, they faint for lack of bread " 

And thus the pitying Master saith, 
In tender tones so soft and sweet, 

While on the multitude he gazed, 
"My brethren, give ye them to eat. 

They wander on the desert bare. 

Like sheep without a shepherd's care. 

"Yea, Master, yea, but how shall we 
With these few loaves and fishes, feed 

This mighty throng, and scatter free 
To every soul as he hath need ? " 

What, knowest thou not that he — thy Lord — 
That mighty One who raised the dead, 

And calmed the waves of Galilee, 
Can bring the famished people bread ? 

"Go, bid the multitude sit down." 
And there upon the waving green. 

With awe-struck faces upward turned, 
A mighty multitude is seen. 

With earnest eyes upraised to heaven. 
The pitying Master blessed and brake 

The five small loaves and fishes two. 
And bade the multitude partake. 

And they did eat, and went their way ; 

And while their homeward paths they trod 
Methinks I hear the people say, 

' ' This Jesus is the Son of God. " 



SECOND YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 35 

LORD SAVE ME. 

OVERHEAD the lightning flashes, 
And the raging water dashes, 
As npon the foaming sea 
Of the stormy Galilee, 
Peter and his comrades toil 
While the angry waters boil. 

Hark ! the storm grows strong and stronger ; 
Can they keep their courage longer ? 
Look ! a Form all clothed in white. 
Fills their souls with dread affright, 
'Till a well-known voice they hear 
"It is I, — be of good cheer ! " 

Then they know it is the Master, 
And their hearts beat fast and faster ; 
"Jesus, Master, speak to me ; 
Bid me — bid me come to thee," 
Speaks a voice in tones so brave 
"Bid me walk upon the wave." 

Thus the impetuous Peter crieth ; 
And the blessed Lord replyeth, 
"Come ; " and quick his hurrying feet 
Tread the waves, his Lord to meet. 
Ah ! he sinks beneath the wave ! 
Jesus, O my Master ! Save ! 

Then the Master quickly caught him. 
Safely to the boat he brought him. 



36 SECOND YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

Whispering in his doubting ear, 
"Wherefore, Peter, didst thou fear?" 
Then the waves grow calm and still, 
And the winds obey his will. 

Ah, how oft, on life's rough waters, 
Adam's faithless sons and daughters 
Sink in sorrow and in grief, — 
Sink in doubt and unbelief, — 
Sink like Peter on the wave ; 
Till they cry " O Master, save ! " 

"Save me, save me e're I perish ! 
Vain are all the hopes I cherish ; 
Lead me, I am sick and sore ; 
Guide me till the journey 's o'er ; 
Save me from the whelming wave ; 
Master, I am sinking, — save ! 

Then the blessed Master hears them. 
Strengthens and upholds and cheers them, 
Gives them strengtii to do and dare, 
Gives them grace the cross to bear, 
Gives them courage all the way. 
Till there dawns a brighter day. 

Up ! my soul, there 's light and beauty 
In the grand highway of duty ; 
Though like Peter ye may sink, 
And the dregs of sorrow drink, 
Though in danger and alarm, 
Grasp the Everlasting Arm. 



HEALING THE SYROPHENIOIAN'S 
DA UGHTER. 

TO the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, 
By the shore of the mighty sea, 
The great Physician came one day 
From far-off Galilee. 

And a Syrophenician woman 

Heard that he journeyed by, 
And her loving m.other-heart was stirred 

As she hears the joyous cry. 

What joy, would he heal my daughter ! 

I have heard he is good and kind, 
That he gives to the deaf the hearing ear. 

And sight to the groping blind. 

Will he hear a mother's pleadings 

For a poor, afflicted child ? 
What joy ! if he calmed that troubled soul 

And banished the demons wild. 

And her heart beat fast and faster, 

And the love-light in her eye 
Told of a soul that was strong and true, 

Of a faith that could never die. 



38 THIRD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

' ' O Jesus, thouSon of David, 

Have mercy on me, I pray ; 
My daughter is vexed with demons wild, 

That madden her night and day." 

" Come, send her away, O Master ! " 

And the mighty Teacher said, 
" It is not meet to cast to dogs 

The hungry childrens' bread." 

"And yet the dogs, O Master, 
Of the chiidrens' crumbs may eat, 

O give me a crumb from the Master's board,'' 
And she fell at his blessed feet. 

' ' How great is thy faith, O woman ! " 
Though heaven and earth may fail, 

In spite of the darkest fiends of hell, 
Shall the prayer of faith prevail. 

And still, through the lapse of ages. 

The beautiful tale is told 
How the Syrophenician's prayer prevailed, 

In the blessed days of old. 



THIRD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 39 



THE TRANS FIG URA TION, 

I 1ST, and I will tell the story 
Lof the Transfiguration glory, 
When the blessed Christ became 
Glorified by fiery flame ; 
And old Hermon's peak gave birth 
To a radiance not of earth. 

Could mine eyes have viewed that splendor, 
Then my heart had grown more tender. 
What ! could I asleep have been 
Like those foolish, faithless men ? — , 
Sleeping while the angels trod 
On that burning mount of God ? 

Then, amid that flame supernal, 
Comes the voice of the Eternal, 
Echoing loud and louder still 
Through each glory-glinted hill ; 
And the distant snow-clad peaks 
Tremble while Jehovah speaks. 

And the while the three are listening, 
Moses comes, with garments glistening, 
And Elijah — man of God — 
Hermon's sacred summit trod ; 
And the mount, like flaming spire 
Gleams and burns with dazzling fire. 

Then speaks Peter, ardent, ever, 
''Lord we need be parted never, 



40 THIRD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

Here, three Snccoths let us raise 
For thy glory and thy praise. 
It is good to bide us here, 
Let us tarry. Master, dear." 

But alas, alas for Peter ! 
Fades the vision fleet and fleeter, — 
Fades the gleaming radiance bright, — 
And the sable shades of night 
Settle down where lately shone 
Glory from the Eternal Throne. 

And the three, so sad and lonely, 
See no man save Jesus only, 
But the glory all has fled 
From around that sacred Head. 
And poor Peter's hopes so fair 
Vanish into empty air. 

Ah, how oft some bliss elysian 
Comes to us, like sweetest vision, — 
Comes like Hermon's glory bright, 
Comes — and fades in empty night. 
Then may we, though sad and lonely^ 
See naught else save Jesus only. 



THIRD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 41 

DOOM PRONOVNCED ON THE 
IMPENITENT CITIES. 

THE yellow sunlight flickered down 
O'er hill and dale and busy town, 
And autumn blew her fitful breath 
About the Man of Nazareth, 
As with his twelve he stood alone 

Upon the hilltops' purple crest, 
While Galilee's bright billows shone. 

And Jordan bared her sluggish breast ; 
While fair Magdala, calm and sweet. 
Lay in her beauty, at their feet. 

Afar to northward, rising high, 
Capernaum's towers woo the sky ; 
Bethsaida, in garments fair, 
A thousand diamonds seems to wear, 
As glorious day her banner flings 
Athwart the Palace of the Kings. 
From yonder dome the saintly priest. 

With silver trumpet loud and clear, 
Proclaims in sweetly echoing notes 

That Sabbath's sacred hours are near. 

But He, the Sabbath's mighty Lord, 

The Heir of the eternal throne, 
Upon whose brow, on Hermon's height, 

Heaven's glorious radiance late has shown, 
Him they reject, till now, at last, 
Sweet mercy's blessed hour is past ! 



42 THIRD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

The Master speaks. Too late ! too late ! 
No power can turn aside thy fate. 
With hands uplifted to the skies 
The mighty Son of Mary cries, 
" Woe unto thee Bethsaida, — 

Eternal and unending woe ! 
Had Tyre and Sidon seen these works 

They had repented long ago. 

' ' Woe unto thee, Capernaum ! 

Who wast exalted to the sky ; 
Thine hour is past, thy doom is fixed. 

Low in the dust thou, too, shalt lie. 
Woe unto thee, Chorazin ! woe ! 

How oft hath gentle Mercy spread 
Her blessed hands within thy streets ! 

But now thine hour of grace is fled." 

O careless one, and hast thou strayed ? 

And dost thou mourn thy wretched fate ? 
Is sorrow's hand upon thee laid ? 

And art thou poor and desolate ? 
COME, He invites thee, tempted heart ; 

I list his gentle pleading still, 
And ringing down the ages hear 

His blessed "Whosoever will ! " 



-» 



THIKD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 43 

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY. 

PAR o'er the Mount of Olives' crest, 
The westering snn is sinking low, 
As winding up the mountain side 
I see the joyous people go. 

High over Hinnom's burning vale 
The Holy City gleamed and shone 

'Mid shimmering gold and marble pale, 
Like orient queen upon her throne, 

Till royal palace, dome, and spire 

Seemed glowing with celestial fire. 

And everywhere the shout is heard ; 

Hosannas reach the very sky ; 
Vast throngs take up the joyous word. 

And answering echoes make reply : — 

'' O blessed is he that cometh, — 
That cometh in the name of the Lord ; 

Hosanna in the highest ! hosanna ! 
Come, echo the glorious word, — 

Hosanna to the Son of David, 
That cometh in the name of the Lord ! " 

'Mid waving palms and victors' shout, 
'Mid songs of triumph rising high, 

Loud hallelujahs glad ring out. 
And acclamations rend the sky. 

While at the blessed Master's feet 

The royal city proudly lay. 
In tender tones of pity sweet 

Methinks I hear him sadly say : — 



44 THIRD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

"If thou had'st known in this thy day 

The things that to thy peace belong ! 
But thou hast filled, in haughty ease, 

Thy cup of violence and wrong ! 
How oft Avould I have gathered thee, 

Jerusalem, my chosen bride ; 
But thou hast turned thy back to me. 

In selfish vanity and pride ; 
And thou did'st cruelly condemn 

Thy -Master, O Jerusalem ! " 

He weeps ; as o'er that city fair 

He gazes with prophetic eye, 
And sees upon her lordly walls 

The Roman banners proudly fly, 
Her gilded domes grow dim with rust, 
Her temple prostrate in the dust, 
Her sons the screaming vulture's food, 
And Zion's streets flow red with blood. 

And well he knows that even they 

Who join the hallelujah cry. 
Before another Sabbath-day 

Will madly echo, "Crucify ! " 

' Tis thus when life's ambrosial cup 

Seems brimming o'er with nectar sweet, 
The world comes eagerly to sup, 

And casts her garlands at our feet. 
But ah, when e'er life's cup is filled 

With gall and wormwood to the brim. 
How oft we hear, with sad hearts chilled. 

The mocking cry, — "Away with him ! " 

# 



THIRD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 45 

THE CRUCIFIXION. 

BEHOLD upon the shameful cross 
The spotless Victim dies. 
' Mid cruel foes he yields his breath, 
A precious, priceless sacrifice. 

The pitying sun withdraws his face, 

And shades of darkest night 
Their black and dismal mantles throw 

Upon Mount Calvary's rugged height. 

The flinty rocks are rent in twain ! 

The graves give up their trust ; 
And sleeping saints immortal rise 

Victorious from the silent dust. 

Inanimate creation groans, 

And pitying angels weep ! 
And o'er the Master's lonely tomb 

Their solemn, sacred vigils keep. 

O pitying Christ ! O Lamb of God ! 

And did'st thou die for me ? 
Then let my hand forget her skill 

If I forget thee, Calvary 



46 THIRD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

IT IS FINISHED. 

' TIS finished all ! The fearful debt is paid ! 
I Now guilty man once more can lift his 
eyes, 
And hope for mercy through the priceless 
blood 
Of Jesus Christ, the spotless Sacrifice. 

' Tis finished all, and at the wondrous words 
Bright angels touch their golden harps, 
and raise 
One grand, triumphant strain of victory ; 
Thus tongues immortal shout in joyous 
praise. 

O boundless mercy ! depth of wondrous love ! 

Fit theme for sages wise, or poet's song : 
They lead the guiltless Son of Grod to die, — 

To suffer shame, and cruelty, and wrong. 

O sinful man ! how cans't thou e'er repay 
That love so deep, so infinite, so free ? 

Yield up to Him thy life, thy love, thine all, 
In grateful homage bow thy stubborn knee. 

Go prove thy gratitude by deeds of love ; 

Go wash thy spirit from its sinful stain ; 
Forsake thy pride, thy folly, that for thee 

The blood of Jesus be not died in vain. 



#^ 



THIRD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 47 

THE BURIAL OF CHRIST. 

TAKE from the cross the dear form of the 
Master ; 
Gently remove ye the nails from his hands; 
Carefully cover the poor, mangled body, 
Loosen the cruel cords, sever the bands. 

Take the rough crown from his pale, bleeding 
temple. 
Wash the dark stains from his dear, sacred 
head ; 
Tearfully weep o'er the blessed Redeemer, 
Tenderly bathe ye the wounds of the Dead 

Fold ye the hands that so often in kindness 
Healed, as by magic, the woes of mankind, 

Ministered oft to the poor and the needy, 
Strengthened the sick and gave sight to the 
blind. 

Fold ye them tenderly over his bosom, 
Over his loving heart, pulseless and still ; 

Wrap ye his form, in the soft, pure linen, 
Tenderly bear him from Calvary's hill. 

Tenderly bear him — the crucified Savior ; 

Lift from thy spirit its terrible gloom ; 
Leave him to rest ; for the heavenly Watcher 

Waits but to call him to life, from the tomb 



48 THIKD YEAR OF THE MINISTRY. 

THE ASCENSION. 

LIFT up your heads" ye glittering gates, — 
•E'en lift them up, ye doors of pearl ; 
The risen King of glory waits ; 

Let Heaven's banners wide unfurl ! 
Then voices cried, e'en like a roaring sea, 
' ' Who can this King — this King of glory be ? " 

Then from the bright angelic throng, 

' Till heaven's myriad arches ring. 
The glorious word is borne along. 

The Lord of Hosts! he is the King." 
Who can this King, — this mighty Con- 
querer be ? " — 
' 'The eternal Prince of Heaven! tis he, tis he. " 

Lift up your heads, ye glittering bars ! 

What glorious honors ye may win ! 
And brighter shine, ye heavenly stars, 

And let the King of glory in ! 
Ye everlasting portals, — open wide, 
And bid thy risen King triumphant ride. 

Asunder, 'mid a mighty shout. 

The massive, glittering portals rolled, 

And hallelujahs glad rang out, 
As opened wid€ each gate of gold ; 

Then with the mighty millions tried and true. 

The conquering King of glory enters through. 






H251 78 >^5 








^^ N. MANCHESTER, 
^2^^ INDIANA 












*o 



